Bon Secours Wellness Arena delays Bond Request

Voices heard do make a difference!

Photo Credit: Post and Courier

As a proud member of Greenville County, I've always believed that we owe it to our community to be thoughtful about how we spend taxpayer money. Recently, the proposed $150 million renovation of the Bon Secours Wellness Arena, known affectionately as "The Well," has sparked a lot of debate, and rightfully so.

The Well has been a vital part of Greenville’s growth. It’s hosted everything from concerts by big-name artists like Zach Bryan to major sports events like the Women’s SEC Basketball Tournament, which has brought in millions of dollars to our local economy. There’s no doubt that keeping the arena competitive is important for our city’s future. But at what cost?

A key part of the funding for this renovation hinges on a $70 million bond, which would require a tax increase on property owners in the Greenville Arena District. To give you an idea, if you own a $200,000 home in the district, your taxes would jump from $2.20 to $15 a year, starting in 2025, for the next 20 years. Now, I know $15 might not sound like a lot on its own, but when you consider the bigger picture, it’s more than just a number.

Last summer, Greenville County saw its first property tax increase in 30 years. Couple that with recent hikes in fire district taxes, and it’s clear that many residents are already feeling the pinch. The question we have to ask ourselves is: Should we be adding another financial burden, especially now?

Don’t get me started on the upcoming road sales tax……….

I do greatly appreciate that the management of the arena has decided to pause and gather more community feedback before moving forward with this bond. It shows they’re listening to the concerns of citizens who are worried about the economy and the impact of yet another tax. In the article, I was quoted saying, "It speaks to the fact that they are listening to citizens' concerns about the current state of the economy and inflation and the taxes we've already imposed on them." I stand by that.

Read from the Post and Courier below:

Arena Bond Delayed to Seek Public Input and Answer Council Questions

But let's be honest—this issue isn’t going away anytime soon. While the proposed improvements, like new seating and better facilities for events, would certainly enhance the arena’s appeal, we need to be realistic about our priorities. Councilman Steve Shaw expressed a sentiment that resonates with many of us: “Greenville shouldn’t be trying to compete with cities like Charlotte or Atlanta if it means taxing our residents beyond their means.” I agree with him that we need to distinguish between what’s truly necessary and what’s simply nice to have.

Looking ahead, the arena district plans to finalize its master plan by early 2025, and they’re promising a robust community outreach effort. They’ll be holding surveys, focus groups, and meetings to make sure everyone’s voice is heard. I encourage all of you to participate in these discussions. This is your money, and your opinion should shape how it’s spent.

In the end, while the Bon Secours Wellness Arena is a key asset for Greenville, so is the financial health of our residents. As your County Councilman, I’ll continue to push for transparency and ask the tough questions to ensure that any decision made truly benefits our entire community—not just a select few.

Thanks for staying engaged and for your ongoing support. I’ll keep you informed as this situation develops. - BBD19